The University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Ph.D. in
Nanoscale Science

Request for Authorization to Plan

Request for Authorization to Plan

Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

UNC Charlotte

Title Page
Appendix B
The University of North Carolina
Request for Authorization to Plan a New Doctoral or First Professional Degree Program
THE PURPOSE OF ACADEMIC PROGRAM PLANNING: Planning a new academic degree
program provides an opportunity for an institution to make the case for need and demand and
for its ability to offer a quality program. Authorization to plan, and the planning activity to
follow, do not guarantee that authorization to establish will be granted. Requests (5 copies) may
be submitted annually, by September 15 of each year.
Date
April 28, 2005
Constituent Institution:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
CIP Discipline Specialty Title:
Physical Sciences, Other
CIP Discipline Specialty Number:
40.9999
Level: D
1st Prof.
Exact Title of the Proposed Degree
Nanoscale Science
Exact Degree Abbreviation (e.g. Ph.D.,Ed.D.):
Ph.D.
Does the proposed program constitute a substantive change as defined by SACS? Yes
No
a) Is it at a more advanced level than those previously authorized? Yes
No j
b) Is the proposed program in a new discipline division? Yes
No j
Approximate date for submitting the Request to Establish proposal (must be within two years
of date of authorization to plan):
April 30, 2006
Proposed date to establish degree: month August
year 2007 (Date should allow
at least three months for review of the request to establish, once submitted.)

Request for Authorization to Plan

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UNC Charlotte

Table of Contents

Title Page .........................................................................................................................................1

Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................2
1. Describe the proposed new degree program..............................................................................3
2. List all other public and private institutions of higher education in North
Carolina currently operating programs similar to the proposed new degree
program. .....................................................................................................................................9
3. Estimate the number of students that would be enrolled in the program during
the first year of operation:........................................................................................................10
4. Estimate the current and projected demand for graduates of the proposed new
degree program. Provide documentation about the sources of data used to
estimate demand figures. .........................................................................................................10
5. Plans to Offer the Program Off-Campus in the First Year of Operation .................................11
6. Describe the procedures to be used to plan the proposed program. List the
names, titles, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of the person(s)
responsible for planning the proposed program. .....................................................................11
7. Describe the method of financing the proposed new program (e.g., potential
sources of funding) and indicate the extent to which additional state funding
may be required........................................................................................................................15

Appendix: Faculty Research Interests

UNC Charlotte

Request for Authorization to Plan

Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

1. Describe the proposed new degree program.

a) a brief description of the program and a statement of educational objectives
The University of North Carolina at Charlotte requests authorization to plan a Ph.D.
program in Nanoscale Science. The program will involve five departments (Chemistry, Physics
and Optical Science, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Electrical and Computer
Engineering, and Biology), the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications, and the
Center for Precision Metrology. The program will be administered through the Department of
Chemistry. Considerable strengths in the above departments are evident to sustain a strong
interdisciplinary program in this rapidly emerging field that is vital to the economic prosperity of
North Carolina and the nation. Faculty members from the above science and engineering
departments who are engaged in research in nanoscale science and engineering will serve as
doctoral program faculty. The program connects with existing programs at the institution and is
consistent with relevant national priorities. The focus of the Ph.D. program in Nanoscale
Science is to educate and train the needed scientists who will broaden our understanding of
phenomena at nanometer length scales and applications of nanoscale science, and who will
develop the knowledge required to train future generations of workers in the field. The research
accomplished by the graduates of this new program will add to the body of scientific knowledge
needed for our economy to stay competitive on the national and world stages.
Nanoscale science is a field of scientific investigation that addresses the development,
manipulation and use of materials and devices on the scale of roughly 1-100 nanometers in
length, as well as the study of phenomena that occur at this size scale (one nanometer equals one
billionth of a meter). This size range encompasses the smallest man-made and naturally derived
devices known. One can gain a perspective of the nanometer scale by considering the sizes of
some familiar objects. For example, a sheet of paper is roughly 100,000 nanometers thick,
critical dimensions in integrated circuits are less than 10 nanometers, while large polymers and
proteins are just a couple of nanometers in size.1
The field of nanoscale science was conceptually born out of Richard Feynmans famous
1959 lecture, Theres Plenty of Room at the Bottom.2 In this presentation Feynman pondered
radical notions such as writing an entire set of the Encyclopedia Britannica on the head of a pin
through the manipulation of individual atoms. At that time, the tools required to fabricate
materials and devices at the atomic/molecular scale and to measure their properties were not
available. The advent of scanning probe microscopes and their ability to measure and manipulate
matter at the nanoscale, microelectronic and optoelectronic device manufacturing technology, as
well as developments in macro-scale molecular modeling and powerful computational capability,
are all enabling the ideas of exploiting the benefits of nanoscale manufacturing to be realized.
These tools allow scientists to observe objects at the nanoscale, to discover new phenomena at
these small dimensions systematically rather than by accident, and to synthesize and manipulate
nanoscopic particles by rational design rather than serendipity.
Nanoscale science offers many challenges and opportunities for scientific understanding
and potential technological advances.3 It is predicted that nanoscale science will change the
nature of almost every human-made product this century. This field has great potential
applications in materials, medicine, electronics, optics, data storage, advanced manufacturing,

Request for Authorization to Plan

Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

UNC Charlotte

environment, energy, and national security. Some specific applications include: lightweight new
materials with greatly improved strength and wear characteristics; ultradense computer memory;
better drug design and better drug and gene delivery; sensing applications for agricultural,
biological, chemical and homeland security applications; improved catalysts for the chemical
and automotive industries; new materials to improve fuel economy and carbon dioxide
emissions; and improved batteries and energy efficient processes for energy technologies.
Nanoscale materials already find use in numerous pharmaceutical, catalytic, electronic,
magnetic, optoelectronic, biomedical, cosmetic and energy applications. Specific applications
reporting the highest revenues include sunscreens, automotive catalyst supports, chemicalmechanical polishing, magnetic recording tapes, biolabeling, electroconductive coatings, and
optical fibers. Other applications include dental-bonding agents, protective and glare-reducing
coatings for eyeglasses and cars, stain-free clothing and mattresses, paints and coatings to protect
against corrosion, scratches and radiation, burn and wound dressings, and automobile catalytic
converters.
There is a growing sense of urgency to scale up nanoscale science research efforts in the
United States and worldwide. The establishment of the National Nanotechnology Initiative
(NNI) articulates the deep commitment of the U.S. to research and development in nanoscale
science and engineering.4 The NNI provides a multi-agency framework to ensure U.S.
leadership in nanotechnology that will be essential to improved human health, economic well
being and national security. The NNI invests in fundamental research for further understanding
of nanoscale phenomena and facilitates technology transfer.4 The goals of the NNI are as
follows:

Maintain a world-class research and development program aimed at realizing the

full potential of nanotechnology

Facilitate transfer of new technologies into products for economic growth, jobs,
and other public benefit

Develop educational resources, a skilled workforce, and the supporting

infrastructure and tools to advance nanotechnology

Support responsible development of nanotechnology

Federal investment in nanoscale science R&D increased from $116 million in FY 1997 to
a over $1 billion for FY 2005 (nearly a 10-fold increase).4 The 21st Century Nanotechnology
Research and Development Act, signed into law in December, 2003, makes nanotechnology the
highest priority funded science and technology effort since the space race. At least 35 other
countries have initiated nanoscale science activities at the national level.
Funding for research in nanoscale science and engineering is also prevalent in the
industrial sector. A survey of R&D expenditures of U.S. industries in 2002 indicated that 2418
companies with R&D in the technology areas of biotechnology, materials synthesis, and
software development attributed 50% or more of their R&D expenditures to nanotechnology.5
The funding level in industry for R&D in nanoscale science roughly matches that of the federal
level.6

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The National Science Foundation estimates that nanotechnology will be a $1 trillion

global industry by 2010-2015.7 This will require about 2 million workers in the field of
nanoscale science and engineering,7 of which 0.8-0.9 million will be in the United States.8 There
is a pressing need to train workers who will contribute to this vital area by conducting scientific
research, working in industry, and educating students in universities, colleges, community
colleges, and elementary and secondary schools. M.C. Roco, Senior Advisor for
Nanotechnology at the National Science Foundation, articulates the great need for education in
nanoscale science:
The key goals of nanotechnology are advances in molecular medicine, increased
working productivity, extension of the limits of sustainable development and increased
human potential. And yet, one of the grand challenges for nanotechnology is
education, which is looming as a bottleneck for the development of the field, and
particularly for its implementation.8
The importance of Nanoscale Science to North Carolina. Nanoscale Science will be important
to the economic development of North Carolina. The North Carolina Economic Development
Board's 2004 strategic plan charged the NC Board of Science and Technology with coordinating
an emerging technologies initiative in the following action item:
Implement an initiative to promote economic growth in North Carolina through
the identification and development of emerging technologies. For example,
nanotechnology-the science of the very small-will fundamentally transform science,
technology, and society, from microscopic computer chips to cancer-fighting vaccines.
As such, it holds tremendous potential for North Carolina and the nation.
Nanotechnology will be the basis of manufacturing technology in the future. Developing
a coordinated response to the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging
technologies will greatly expand the opportunity for all North Carolinians to obtain and
retain challenging and economically rewarding employment. An initiative to coordinate
efforts within the state will link its strengths to grow new industries, educate our
workforce, capture federal funding, and maintain North Carolina's technology leadership
while revitalizing its traditional industries around these new technologies.9
In response to this call, the NC Board of Science and Technology established the North
Carolina Nanotechnology Initiative Planning Committee to make recommendations on how to
increase North Carolinas stature in the nanotechnology arena. Currently, North Carolina ranks
about 20th in nanotechnology in the nation. The establishment of a Ph.D. program in Nanoscale
Science at UNC Charlotte will help to bring employment opportunities of all levels to the greater
Charlotte and surrounding areas, and will provide nanoscale science and nanotechnology training
for workers that will be needed throughout North Carolina.

Request for Authorization to Plan

Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

UNC Charlotte

The educational objectives of the proposed Ph.D. program in Nanoscale Science are as
follows:

Provide students with knowledge and educational opportunities in pure and applied
nanoscale science, culminating in an interdisciplinary, research-based Ph.D. degree in
Nanoscale Science.

Produce a supply of doctoral level scientists who will lead in (1) improving our
understanding of the nanoscale regime and its many applications; (2) developing
nanotechnology industrial initiatives in North Carolina; and (3) providing educational
opportunities to train the workforce needed to sustain the growth of nanoscale science in
North Carolina and the U.S.

Develop and train independent scientists and scholars who possess the critical thinking,
methodological, and communication skills required to advance and disseminate
knowledge of fundamental and applied nanoscale science

Enhance the educational experience in science and engineering for all graduate
and undergraduate students at UNC Charlotte.

Based on the combined strengths of faculty members in Chemistry, Physics and Optical
Science, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Electrical and Computer
Engineering, and Biology, the proposed program will focus on the following areas of research:
Theoretical Aspects of Nanoscale science

Development of methods to model, synthesize, characterize, simulate and

evaluate complex materials including photonic crystals, photonic devices and
other complex materials such as high temperature superconductors and plasmonic
devices.

Modeling and predicting quantum effects that become significant in nanoscale

materials, and to utilize these effects in new materials and applications (including
quantum dots, quantum wires, nanotubes, and photon confined materials).

Identification, understanding, and utilization of the concepts applicable to the

controlled assembly of self-organizing nanomaterials, including polymers,
dendrimers, nanotube-based materials, nanocatalysts at surfaces (including
electrode surfaces), and assemblies of biopolymers.

Biomolecular Nanotechnology

Design, fabrication, and optimization of biomaterials and devices for tissue

growth and repair.

Elucidating the structures of complex biomolecules and understanding

interactions between biomolecules.

Building Nanoscale Materials

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Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

Development and utilization of nanoscale lithographic processes.

Synthesis of materials at the nanoscale, including: polymers, dendrimers,

supramolecular complexes, quantum dots, quantum wells, carbon nanotubes,
molecular material hybrids, high energy / high density compounds, and
nanoporous materials.

Development of synthetic methodology and mechanistic studies.

Fabrication of nanopatterned surfaces and nanostructured metal composites for

chemical and biological sensing.

Instrumental Methods for Nanotechnology

Development of instrumentation and procedures for the machining, manipulation,

and replication of materials with nanometer precision.

Intertwining material development with cutting-edge nanoscale analytical

techniques, including surface probe techniques with atomic resolution and novel
metrology methods. There is a significant relationship between form and function
at the nanoscale. Rapid, high-precision analytical information will stimulate
rational material design.

b) the relationship of the proposed new program to the institutional mission and how
the program fits into the institutions strategic plan
The proposed Ph.D. program in Nanoscale Science is connected specifically to a range of
University goals including: (a) to provide services that impact positively the many challenges
facing the region, state, and nation; (b) to train graduate students who possess interdisciplinary
skills and capacities that can be applied to a variety of situations and professions in an everchanging world; (c) to increase the number of Ph.D. programs in high demand fields; and (d) to
reach doctoral/research-extensive status by the year 2010. Increased demand for graduate-level
offerings is intrinsic to these goals and meeting that demand will have multiple benefits for UNC
Charlotte, North Carolina, and the region.
The Campus Academic Plan serves as the guiding force for decisions concerning the
number and direction of academic programs, the work of faculty and support staffs, and the
allocation of resources. It is designed to capture the most important initiatives and priorities of
the constituent units and programs of the University and to place them within the context of a set
of overarching goals and values for the campus as a whole. Since the Campus Academic Plan for
1998-2003, each University initiative is scrutinized in relation to one or more of the seven
themes for campus development that serve as guideposts for the creation of new degree
programs and curricula at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. With a broad institutional
commitment to liberal education as the foundation for constructive citizenship, professional
practice, and lifelong learning, UNC Charlotte is prepared to focus interdisciplinary resources to
address seven broad areas of concern to the Charlotte region. These include: 1) Liberal
Education; 2) Business and Finance; 3) Urban and Regional Development; 4) Children,

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Families, and Schools; 5) Health Care and Health Policy; 6) International Understanding and
Involvement; and 7) Applied Sciences and Technologies.
The 2004-2009 Academic Plan of UNC Charlotte documents UNC Charlottes interest in
the development of a Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science, in support of the theme of Applied Sciences
and Technologies:
The new degree program is proposed in response to the accelerating growth in
nanoscale science and nanotechnology at the University and, indeed, around the world.
This interdisciplinary program would be based in the Department of Chemistry. The
proposed program will involve the Departments of Mechanical Engineering (Metrology),
Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biology, Mathematics and Physics and Optical
Science and will build upon existing and future collaborative educational and research
efforts with existing graduate and undergraduate programs within these units.
During 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 academic years, the planning committee for the Ph.D.
program in Nanoscale Science, composed of faculty members, nominated by the department
chairs of the participating departments, investigated the need for the program, explored graduate
programs in nanoscale science at other institutions, addressed the scope of the proposed
program, and outlined the curriculum. The department chairs agreed to support the proposed
program.
c) the relationship of the proposed new program to other existing programs at the
institution
The proposed Ph.D. program in Nanoscale Science will weave continuity between the
pursuits of the baccalaureate and masters programs in Chemistry with those of the Ph.D.
programs in Optical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering,
and Biology. Graduate students in the Nanoscale Science Ph.D. program will interact with
students and faculty members of other Ph.D. programs at UNC Charlotte by enrolling in courses
offered by the other graduate programs on campus, attending and presenting seminars on
nanoscale science, and by working together on research projects. Many of the faculty members
who will participate in the Nanoscale Science Ph.D. program are also members of the faculty of
the Ph.D. programs listed above. Numerous ongoing interdisciplinary collaborations among
these faculty members are already resulting in externally funded projects and peer reviewed
publications. The Ph.D. program in Nanoscale Science will enhance these activities by offering
courses that will better prepare students to engage in research in nanoscale science, and by
providing a more focused forum for scientists at UNC Charlotte to conduct research in nanoscale
science.
The study of nanoscale science and engineering is an active research area within the
Charlotte Research Institutes Center for Precision Metrology and Center for Optoelectronics
and Optical Communications. Research projects of faculty in the Ph.D. program in Nanoscale
Science will complement and enhance the research activities of these centers.

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d) special features or conditions that make the institution a desirable, unique, or

appropriate place to initiate such a degree program.
Over 30 faculty members from the departments of Chemistry, Electrical and Computer
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Physics and Optical Science,
and Biology are willing to serve as program faculty by teaching in the curriculum, mentoring
students in research, and conducting collaborative research. Brief profiles of the participating
faculty are provided in the appendix. Faculty in the participating departments already conduct
collaborative, funded, cross-disciplinary research in nanoscale science and have published the
findings of their work in peer-reviewed journals.
UNC Charlottes Center for Precision Metrology is a partner of the NSF-funded Center for
Scalable and Integrated NAnoManufacturing (SINAM) in conjunction with UCLA, UC
Berkeley, Stanford University, UC San Diego, and HP Labs.
UNC Charlotte already offers two graduate level courses in nanoscale science, one based in
the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, the other based in the
Department of Chemistry (but taught as an interdisciplinary course). Numerous graduate level
courses that are already offered on campus through the Ph.D. programs in Mechanical
Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biology, and Physics and Optical Science will benefit the
proposed Ph.D. program in Nanoscale Science and will be crosslisted in that program.

2. List all other public and private institutions of higher education in North
Carolina currently operating programs similar to the proposed new degree
program.
There are no other public or private institutions of higher education in North Carolina
that offer a Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science. Duke University offers a Certificate in Nanoscience (as
of Fall 2004) in which students obtain a Ph.D. degree in a core discipline (such as chemistry,
physics, biology, engineering) and do additional coursework and laboratory work in nanoscale
science in order to earn the certificate. Neither UNC Chapel Hill nor NC State University offer
doctoral degrees or certificates in nanoscale science, but both universities have excellent
research programs in nanoscale science and nanotechnology. Wake Forest University is also
engaged in research in nanoscale science, as is NC A&T University.
On the national level, very few universities offer degrees in nanoscale science. The
University of Albany offers a Ph.D. through its School of Nanosciences and Nanoengineering
(www.albanynanotech.org/school_of_nano/index.cfm). The University of Washington offers a
Ph.D. in nanotechnology that is associated with its Center for Nanotechnology
(www.nano.washington.edu/education/proginfo.html). Numerous NSF IGERT (Integrative
Graduate Education, Research and Training) grants for nanoscale science have been awarded to
Ph.D. programs throughout the country.10 Several institutions, namely Georgia Tech
(www.chemistry.gatech.edu/News/NaST-web.pdf ), the University of Pennsylvania
(www.nanotech.upenn.edu/Certification%20v2.doc), and Drexel University
(http://nano.materials.drexel.edu/DNI/education.html) offer Certificates in Nanotechnology.

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UNC Charlotte

3. Estimate the number of students that would be enrolled in the program during
the first year of operation:
Full Time

Part Time

It is expected that the program will grow by six students per year and will reach a total
enrollment of twenty-four students by Year 4.

4. Estimate the current and projected demand for graduates of the proposed new
degree program. Provide documentation about the sources of data used to
estimate demand figures.
The National Science Foundation predicts that roughly 2 million workers in nanoscale
science and engineering will be needed by 2015,7 0.8-0.9 million of which will be needed in the
United States.8 Ph.D.-level workers will be needed to conduct research in academic and
government laboratories and research and development in industry, to educate students at the
college, university and community college levels, and to educate K-12 teachers.
In December, 2003, the Chemical Industry Vision2020 Technology Partnership (Vision2020,
an industry-led organization focused on accelerating innovation and technological development)
issued the report Chemical Industry R&D Roadmap for Nanomaterials By Design: From
Fundamentals to Function (see www.ChemicalVision2020.org/nanomaterials roadmap.html).
The report was based on scientific priorities developed at a workshop attended by top leaders in
the chemical industry, universities, and government laboratories. The R&D priorities set forth in
the report are in direct support of the National Nanotechnology Grand Challenges and are
expected to produce products and processes that will significantly benefit the U.S. industry and
society. A top priority of the Roadmap is to implement strategies to attract and prepare a
workforce for nanomaterial research and manufacturing. The report states that, The rapid
progress in nanoscale science discovery and its transition into innovative nanotechnology will
require a highly trained workforce, especially innovative scientists and engineers with
doctoral degrees. The report indicates that in order to produce the workers needed to maintain
the dominance the U.S. has enjoyed during the past 50 years, it will be necessary for the United
States to implement an education and training strategy as soon as possible. Moreover, because
the nanoscale bridges various disciplines, science education will need to integrate biology,
chemistry, physics, and engineering.
The report identified several needs that will be critical in order for the nation to attract and
prepare a workforce for nanomaterial research and manufacturing. These needs include, among
others, providing interdisciplinary education for graduate students, and developing state-of-theart nanomaterial curricula. The report also predicts that nanoscale science will develop into a
full-fledged field by 2020, that undergraduate and graduate-level textbooks will include
nanoscale fundamentals, and that specialized courses will be offered on most campuses. Faculty
members with knowledge of nanoscale science will be needed to teach students and to develop
educational materials.

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Small Times, a business magazine that details technological advances, applications and
investment opportunities in nanotechnology, reports that labor shortages of skilled workers in
nanotechnology in industry, particularly at the Ph.D. level, are already beginning to show up.
Start-up companies in particular seem to be unaware of how few really experienced educated
people there are in the various fields surrounding MEMS and nanotechnology.11
The establishment of a Ph.D. program in Nanoscale Science at UNC Charlotte could
stimulate the development of start-up companies in the Charlotte and surrounding regions.
Companies would be attracted to the region because of the research expertise the University
would provide. In turn, the companies would provide employment opportunities for graduates of
the program as well as less skilled workers. There are roughly 1100 start-up companies in
nanoscale science in the United States.
The emergence of several websites devoted to employment opportunities in nanoscale
science also indicates that there is, and will continue to be, a demand for graduates of the
proposed new degree program. Small Times lists open positions in nanoscale science. Working
in Nanotechnology (http://www.workingin-nanotechnology.com/) is a Web-based bulletin board
that provides information on careers, education and professional training in nanotechnology and
related fields. The site typically has about 70 jobs posted, ranging from the academic
marketplace to corporate and government labs. The Foresight Institute, a non-profit organization
for promoting understanding of nanotechnology and its effects, supports this website. The
National Nanotechnology Initiative website has a page devoted to nanotechnology careers
(http://www.nano.gov/html/edu/careers.htm).
In addition to acquiring knowledge and skills to work in nanoscale science, students of the
proposed Ph.D. program will acquire depth of knowledge in a core science or engineering
discipline, positioning them for employment opportunities in more traditional science and
engineering fields. For example, a student in the proposed program who chooses to study
chemistry as a core discipline will have ample opportunities for employment as a chemist in
chemical industry, academics, and government labs. Graduates of our program would have the
added advantage of having the skills and experience of working with scientists and engineers
from a variety of disciplines. These skills are highly valued in industry (where much of the work
is done in teams composed of scientists from a variety of disciplines) and other research settings.

5. Plans to Offer the Program Off-Campus in the First Year of Operation

There are no plans to offer the program away from campus.

6. Describe the procedures to be used to plan the proposed program. List the
names, titles, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of the person(s)
responsible for planning the proposed program.
The program will be planned by a committee consisting of faculty members from
Chemistry, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering
Science, Physics and Optical Science, and Biology, with input requested from the faculty of the

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participating departments. A planning committee was created to develop the Request for
Authorization to Plan the Ph.D. Program in Nanoscale Science. The Chairs of the Departments
of Biology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering
Science, and Physics and Optical Science were consulted throughout the development of the
Request for Authorization to Plan and confirmed that interested faculty members of their
Departments would be available to participate in the proposed program. The members of the
planning committee included:
Bernadette T. Donovan-Merkert (Committee Chair)
Professor and Chair, Department of Chemistry
bdonovan@email.uncc.edu, 704-687-4436
Angela Davies
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics and Optical Science
adavies@email.uncc.edu, 794-687Mahnaz El-Kouedi
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
melkoue@email.uncc.edu, 704-687-4440
Jordan Poler
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
jcpoler@email.uncc.edu, 704-687-3064
Thomas Schmedake
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
tschmeda@email.uncc.edu; 704-687-4011
Stuart Smith
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
stusmith@uncc.edu, 704-687-3969
Ed Stokes
Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
ebstokes@uncc.edu, 704-687-4142
The individuals listed above have agreed to continue to serve on the planning committee. The
following individuals have also agreed to serve:
Lee Casperson
Professor and Chair, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering
lcaspers@uncc.edu, 704-687-2302
Faramarz Farahi
Professor and Chair, Department of Physics and Optical Science
ffarahi@uncc.edu, 704-687-3440
Michael Hudson
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Professor and Chair (beginning July 1, 2005), Department of Biology

mchudson@email.uncc.edu, 704-687-4048
Joanna Krueger
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
jkkruege@email.uncc.edu, 704-687-4913
Jayaraman Raja
Professor and Chair, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science
jraja@uncc.edu, 704-687-3305

The curriculum for the proposed program will be designed to provide students with
knowledge of nanoscale science, including an appreciation of perspectives of scientists and
engineers of varied disciplines, plus depth of knowledge in a core science discipline. Graduates
of the program will have developed the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with
scientists and engineers across a broad range of disciplines. A plan of study for each student will
be developed collaboratively by the student and his/her research advisor and thesis committee,
and subsequently approved by the Interdisciplinary Program Committee of the Nanoscale
Science Ph.D. Program. This approach will provide the flexibility needed to meet each students
specific educational needs and interests
Degree requirements
Proposed degree requirements for the Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science are described below.

Perspectives at the Nanoscale. Faculty members from across the UNC Charlotte campus
present and discuss their research in nanoscale science and engineering in order to (1)
demonstrate how scientists in different disciplines approach problem-solving at the
nanoscale, and (2) expose the students to research opportunities for thesis work.

Introduction to Instrumentation and Processing at the Nanoscale. Methods for

manipulating, engineering, and characterizing nanoscale materials are introduced;
applications and principles of their operation are discussed. Students acquire hands-on
experience with selected laboratory methods in preparation for thesis research. Topics
include, but are not limited to, scanning probe and electron microscopy methods,
cleanroom technology, nanoscale optical and e-beam lithography, nuclear magnetic
resonance, mass spectrometry, luminescence methods, interferometry, gel permeation
chromatography, surface area analysis, and small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering.

Group Rotations. Students interact on a regular basis with research groups in nanoscale
science or engineering from at least three different departments at UNC Charlotte.
Groups are selected so that each student is exposed to a broad array of research activities
of the Nanoscale Science faculty. At the end of each rotation, the visiting student
delivers a presentation to the visited research group, describing what the student has
learned about the visited groups research activities.

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Group Project. An encapsulated, semester-long research experience designed to

introduce students to laboratory work in nanoscale science and engineering. Teams of
two to four students work on a short research project and present their results at the
Nanoscale Science and Engineering Colloquium (described below).

Interdisciplinary Nanoscale Lecture Courses. Each student completes the following

courses:
A. Nanoscale phenomena. Topics include, but are not limited to, scaling phenomena;
nano-optics (near-field optics, limits of lithography masks, nano-dots and nanoscale
optical interactions); nanoscale mechanics; nanotribology; biological and biologicallyinspired machines.
B. Synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials. Topics include, but are not limited
to, quantum dots, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanostructured materials and nanotubes,
zeolites, organic-inorganic polymers, composite materials, solution-phase colloids, solgel process, silica spheres, porous silicon, photonic crystals.
C. Fabrication and manufacturing of nanomaterials. Lithographic methods (CVD,
PVD, e-beam, ion beam, magnetron, evaporation, spin coating, mask fabrication,
developing resists); microelectromechanical systems and nanoelectromechanical systems;
limits of conventional mechanical processing, electroforming, growth mechanisms
(organic, inorganic, thermal); powders.

Nanoscale Science and Engineering Colloquium. Students from the participating

departments present seminars on current topics in nanoscale science and engineering to
the faculty and student participants of the program. Presentations address thesis
research, the current literature, group projects, and special topics.

Collaborative Research Proposal. Effective strategies for designing and writing

research proposals are discussed. Teams of two to three students each prepare an
original, interdisciplinary research proposal on a topic in nanoscale science. Each team
consults regularly with a panel of two to three faculty members who collectively approve
of the proposal topic, provide feedback during the development of the proposal, and
ultimately evaluate the proposal.

Elective Ph.D. courses. Each student completes three additional courses from an
approved list of Ph.D. courses offered in Chemistry, Physics and Optical Science,
Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Electrical Engineering, Biology or
other approved disciplines.

Visiting Speaker Seminar Program. Students attend weekly seminars of visiting

speakers of the Nanoscale Science program or other approved programs on campus.
Seminars are selected to best meet the educational needs of the individual student.

General Science Proficiency Exam. By the end of the first year in residence, students
are expected to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in chemistry, mathematics (including
calculus) and physics, all at the introductory undergraduate level, by passing a General
Science Proficiency Exam (GSPE) written and administered by faculty in the NANO
Ph.D. program.

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Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

Directed Graduate Research. Students conduct laboratory research for the thesis.
Laboratory research is expected to begin by the first summer in residency.

Admission to candidacy. By early in the 5th semester, the student presents and
successfully defends, to his/her thesis committee, research completed thus far and
proposed research for completion of the thesis.

Thesis defense. The student completes a written research thesis, delivers a public
seminar on the research, and defends the thesis to his/her thesis committee.

7. Describe the method of financing the proposed new program (e.g., potential
sources of funding) and indicate the extent to which additional state funding
may be required.
Staffing
The initial faculty needs of the proposed program are well met through existing faculty in the
core disciplines. For the past several years, most of the participating departments have made
targeted hires for faculty members who could support the teaching and research efforts of the
proposed nanoscale science program. Thus, despite existing teaching and mentoring
responsibilities, there are sufficient faculty resources to staff and operate the program at the
proposed initial student admissions level (i.e., 6 doctoral students per year).
Future growth of Nanoscale Science faculty (and graduate student openings) will occur in
response to anticipated enrollment growth at UNC Charlotte. For example, the Department of
Chemistrys staffing plan for 2005-2010 calls for a net increase of 4 faculty members by 2010.
Many of these positions will be filled by faculty members who will support the Nanoscale
Science Ph.D. program by teaching courses and mentoring students in research.
Physical Space
The Department of Chemistry will acquire roughly 10,400 sq feet of space in the Burson
Building when the Department of Physics and Optical Science moves to the new building that
will house the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications beginning in early 2006.
The Departments of Biology, Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, and Electrical
and Computer Engineering will move to the new Science and Technology building, the new
building for the Center for Precision Metrology, and the Optics Building during 2005 and 2006.
Thus, no new space will be required to launch the proposed Ph.D. program.
Ability to Generate External Funding
The primary faculty members affiliated with the proposed program have obtained substantial
external funding in support of their research (in excess of $10 million total per year) from
agencies such as: the National Science Foundation; the National Institutes of Health; the
Department of Defense; the Department of Energy; the National Institute of Standards and
Technology; NASA; the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Foundation; INTEL;
SEMATECH; the Whitaker Foundation; the Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation; and
Research Corporation. Sustaining external funding is a high priority for the proposed program,
thus faculty members of the program will continue activities to secure external research grants

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Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

from federal agencies and industries. Nanoscale science is a top priority for funding by the
National Science Foundation, which has established several initiatives devoted to this area
(NIRT (Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Teams), Nanoscale Exploratory Research (NER),
and Nanoscale Science and Engineering Centers, among others). NSFs IGERT (Integrative
Graduate Education and Research Traineeship) program will be another likely source of funding
to support graduate students, due especially to the interdisciplinary nature of the proposed
nanoscale science program.
Financial Resources to Attract and Retain Students
Funding to attract and retain students will come from: (a) allocation of new assistantship
resources and tuition wavers to the nanoscale science program; and (b) funding from external
grants.
We propose to add six new teaching assistants (with tuition waivers) during the first year of
the program and an additional six teaching assistants (with tuition waivers) during the second
year. These would be supplied by the Graduate School. If needed, some of the Chemistry M.S.
teaching assistantships could be used to support the Nanoscale Science Ph.D. program, but this
would only be done to a small extent so as not to harm the Chemistry M.S. program (the
program is productive; its graduates are accepted to top-rate Ph.D. programs and are employed
by leading chemical companies). Graduate students would be supported for the first two years as
teaching assistants and then afterwards as research assistants on external grants.
References
1.

For a comparative view of commonly known items and nano-sized entities, see
www.nano.gov/html/facts/The_scale_of_things.html.

2.

For the text of Feynmans address, see http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/feynman.html.

3.

For congressional addresses on this topic delivered by leaders in the field of nanoscale
science and technology, see addresses delivered by: (a) Eugene Wong, assistant director
of Engineering of the National Science Foundation
(www.house.gov/science/wong_062299.htm); (b) Richard Smalley, Nobel Laureate and
Professor of Chemistry at Rice
University(www.house.gov/science/smalley_062299.htm), and (3) Ralph Merkle,
Research Scientist (Xerox) and Senior Research Associate, Institute for Molecular
Manufacturing (www.house.gov/science/merkle_062299.htm).

4.

From the Web page for the National Nanotechnology Initiative: (http://www.nano.gov).

5.

See http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/infbrief/nsf04320/nsf04320.pdf

6.

Roco, M.C. The US Nanotechnology Initiative after 3 years (2001-2003)(Journal of

Nanoparticle Research 2004, 6(1), 1-9).

7.

Roco, M.C.; Bainbridge, W. (eds) Societal Implications of Nanoscience and

Nanotechnology (National Science Foundation, Arlington, VA, 2001).

8.

Roco, M.C. Converging science and technology at the nanoscale: opportunities for
education and training (Nature Biotechnology, 2003, 21(10), 1-3).

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Ph.D. in Nanoscale Sci~nce

UNC Charlotte

9.

Forthe2004StrategicPlanof the NCEconomicDevelopmentboard,see

http://149.168.102/Upload/assets/EDBStrategicPlan 2004 final.pdfThequoted
action item may be found on page 18.

10.

See www.nsf.gov/igert.

11.

http://www.smalltimes.com/document_display.cfm

?document- id=7817

This intent to plan a new program has been reviewed and approved by the appropriate campus
committees and authorities.
Chancellor'Jfi~~

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UNC Charlotte

Appendix
Faculty Research Interests
Dr. Vasily N. Astratov (Physics and Optical Science) The Astratov group focuses on all-optical
circuits based on evanescent optical coupling between spherical and cylindrical microresonators
positioned with nanometer scale precision on a single chip.
Dr. Kenneth Bost (Belk Distinguished Professor, Biology). The Bost group works in the area
of immunology. Specific research efforts relevant to nanoscale science include biomodification
of nanostructured surfaces for tissue engineering.
Dr. Robin Coger (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Dr. Cogers research
focuses on applying device design, computational modeling, and material testing to solve
biomedical engineering problems in tissue engineering and cryopreservation. Areas of interest
related to nanotechnology include investigating the interactions of cells with micropatterned
surfaces, and the use of nanoparticles in tissue engineering applications.
Dr. Brian T. Cooper (Chemistry) The Cooper group is investigating a novel capillary
electrophoretic technique, based on differential surfactant binding, for characterizing
conformational isoforms of proteins. The group is also interested in the potential application of
microfabricated devices with nanoscale features to new modes of protein separation or detection.
Dr. James Cuttino (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Dr. Cuttino has been
involved in the development of precision actuators and instrumentation. His research has
spanned the range of precision fast tool servos to the development of a portable Josephson
junction voltage standard based on an active cryogenic system. Principal areas of interest
include dynamics, mechatronics, instrumentation, and machining.
Dr. Kasra Daneshvar (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Research in the Daneshvar group
focuses on the application of nanoparticles for all-optical devices. A typical quantum dot (QD)
with diameter of 3 nm contains only few hundred atoms. Therefore, saturation in optical
absorption can take place, in threshold power density of photons several orders of magnitude
below the typical values for most solids, ~ MW/cm2 range. This low value of threshold opens
the door for a wide range of optoelectronic applications. Among these is the all-optical Analog to
Digital converter (ADC). An absorber with low saturation intensity can be used in series or in
parallel to set the threshold for the significant bits in a sampled analog signal.
Dr. Angela D. Davies (Physics and Optical Science). The Davies group focuses on research
metrology advances for precision micro-optics components to assess dimensional form with
nanometer scale uncertainty.
Dr. Matthew Davies (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Dr. Davies came to
UNC Charlotte from NIST where his research focused on measurement of the dynamic and
plastic phenomena in high-speed machining. He continues research in precision manufacturing
and dynamics as well as biomechanics and micro-optics.

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Dr. Bernadette T. Donovan-Merkert (Chair, Chemistry). The Donovan-Merkert group is

interested in electrochemically-promoted reactions of organometallic complexes. The group is
developing new hybrid films containing quantum dots or lanthanide complexes for
phosphorescence/ electroluminescence applications, and is exploring the use of nanostructured
electrode materials for applications in asymmetric catalysis.
Dr. Thomas D. DuBois (Chemistry). Dr. DuBois research addresses modeling of molecular
and nanomaterials using mechanics, electronic and dynamic computational methods. Work with
Dr. Jordan Poler focuses on the interaction of carbon nanotubes with transition metal complexes
and transition metal clusters formed from a variety of ligand assemblies.
Dr. Mahnaz El-Kouedi (Chemistry). Research in the El-Kouedi group focuses on the
construction and use of nanoparticulate substrates for biological and chemical sensing
applications. These new nanomaterials have unique electronic and optical properties that can be
tuned to enhance detection limits. The group is also exploring the use of nanoscale surfaces for
catalysis applications.
Dr. Horatio Estrada (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Research in the
Estrada group focuses on MEMS-based sensors and actuator developments.
Dr. Michael A. Fiddy (Physics and Optical Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering,
Director of the Center for Optoelectronics and Optical Communications). Dr. Fiddys research
focuses on the development of theoretical and numerical techniques for determining optical
structures with refractive index variations having sub-wavelength (tens of nm) scales and which
guide and scatter light in a prescribed fashion. Co-operative enhancements of optical
nonlinearites in nanocomposites are also addressed.
Dr. Kenneth E. Gonsalves (Celanese Acetate Distinguished Professor, Chemistry) New
initiatives for developing novel resist materials for nanolithography (EUV, EB and X-ray) are
underway in the Gonsalves group. Concepts of nanostructured materials technology developed in
the Gonsalves laboratory are now being applied to submicron and nano- (below 100 nm)
structures for microelectronics and biotechnology. Dr. Gonsalves is the lead organizer of UNC
Charlottes first nanotechnology conference that will be held during October, 2005.
Dr. Mohamed-Ali Hasan (Electrical and Computer Engineering). The Hasan group focuses on
molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for the construction of nanoscale materials, including (1) growth
of single crystalline cubic SiC on Si using compliant nanoscale seed crystals employing an
economical, environmentally friendly method that utilizes a non-toxic gas, trimethylsilane, and
(2) growth of single crystalline hexagonal AlN(001) and GaN on Si(111) using surfacereconstruction induced epitaxy. These materials are useful substrates for nanoscale
optoelectronic devices, and also can be used for HFETs.
Dr. Tsing-Hua Her (Department of Physics and Optical Science). The Her group focuses on
multiphoton-initiated processes for micron/submicron/nanofabrication.
Dr. Robert J. Hocken (Mechanical Engineering, Director of the Center for Precision
Metrology). Dr. Hockens research interests include precision machine design, dimensional

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Ph.D. in Nanoscale Science

metrology and scanning probe microscopy. In addition to directing UNC Charlottes Center for
Precision Metrology (an NSF IUCRC center incorporating an affiliates consortium comprising
major US Manufacturing industries), he is also involved in SINAM, an NSEC, funded by NSF
and partnering with UCLA, UCSD, Stanford, Berkeley and HP labs.
Dr. Michael Hudson (Chair (beginning July 1, 2005), Biology). Research in the Hudson group
investigates the interaction of Staphylococcus aureus, the most common organism associated
with osteomyelitis (infection of the bone) with mouse and human osteoblasts (cells involved in
bone formation). Research efforts in nanoscale science include the use of nanomachined
polymer surfaces for promoting osteoblast cell adhesion.
Dr. Joanna K. Krueger (Chemistry). The Krueger group works in the area of biophysical
chemistry. Probing of the nanostructural features of proteins using small-angle X-ray and
neutron scattering with a contrast variation technique was instrumental in assembling a more
global picture of how signals are transduced between Ca2+-activated calmodulin and its kinase
target, myosin light chain kinase.
Dr. Patrick Moyer (Physics and Optical Science). Dr. Moyers research includes integrated
optics and nanoscale optical spectroscopy. Recent research has involved the role of quantum
confinement vs. that of surface molecules in determining the light emission mechanism of porous
silicon. In addition, he has studied the time-dependence (on a millisecond time scale) of surface
enhanced Raman scattering of single carbon domains on single silver nanoparticles. Dr. Moyer
has worked in industry as a scientist and engineer designing and developing scanning probe
microscopes for the study of nanoscale properties of materials and biological samples.
Dr. Arindam Mukherjee (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Dr. Mukherjees research
focuses on bio-inspired electronic design and design automation for inherently faulty nanoscale
circuits.
Dr. Brigid Mullany (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Dr. Mullanys group is
concerned with the generation and measurement of precision engineered surfaces. Ultra-smooth
surfaces have average roughness values of less than 0.2 nm and the generation of such surfaces
depends on the type and size of abrasive particles used in the polishing processes. Research is
concerned with determining how nano abrasive particles and their surface charges interact with
the workpiece in removing material and generating these ultra smooth surfaces.
Dr. Jordan C. Poler (Chemistry). Nanoscale molecular assemblies enable the design and
manipulation of matter with unprecedented fidelity. With these novel assemblies, the Poler
group is working towards tailoring the properties of new materials and developing new devices.
Supramolecular assemblies are being investigated for potential applications in 3D
nanostructuring, optical switching, and sensors.
Dr. Daniel Rabinovich (Chemistry). The Rabinovich group is interested in synthetic and
structural inorganic chemistry, with applications to bioinorganic chemistry. Research relevant to
nanoscale science focuses on the synthesis and use of multidentate thioethers to control the size
and shape of gold nanoparticle assemblies with potential applications as sensors and in catalysis,
information storage and microelectronics.

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Dr. Jay Raja (Chair, Mechanical Engineering). Dr. Rajas research is in the field of surface fine
feature measurement and characterization, commonly referred to as surface metrology. His
recent work concentrates on the development of web-based surface metrology analysis software
for industry use as well as addressing emerging issues in 3 dimensional analysis and
identification and characterization of structured surfaces.
Dr. Arun Ravindran (Electrical and Computer Engineering) Dr. Ravindrans research
addresses opportunities and challenges of nanoscale electronics through new circuit design
paradigms. His group investigates current design techniques to control leakage in nanoscale
CMOS transistors; realization of analog signal processing blocks using carbon nanotubes, single
electron transistors, quantum dots, and bio-tissue devices; and the use of digitally assisted and
bio-inspired techniques for fault-tolerant nanoscale circuits systems.
Dr. Thomas A. Schmedake (Chemistry). The Schmedake group explores the remarkable
effects that are manifested when light is confined to a volume approaching the wavelength of
light (<500 nm). At this size certain frequencies of light become resonant with the optical
cavity. The group is attempting to exploit this phenomenon for the rational design of better
sensors, photocatalysts, and optical devices.
Dr. Wade Sisk (Chemistry). The Sisk group investigates the photostability, photoluminescence,
and photoconductivity of dyes dispersed in polymer matrices. One goal is to understand the
mechanisms of photodegradation and to employ methods to decrease the rate of
photodegradation. Applications of this research include: solid-state dye lasers, waveguides,
organic light emitting devices (OLEDs), read/write disks (DVDs), and photofading of dyed
fabrics.
Dr. Stuart T. Smith (Mechanical Engineering). Dr. Smiths research focuses on the
development of instrumentation and sensor technologies, including advanced signal processing
techniques, for measurement of surface profile, micro-geometry and displacements, primarily
aimed towards the challenge of atomic scale discrimination and modifications. As a consequence
of these efforts many investigations in the fields of instrument and sensor design, surface contact
phenomena, flexure mechanisms and slideway design have been undertaken.
Dr. Ed Stokes (Electrical and Computer Engineering). The Stokes group is working to develop
brighter and more efficient solid-state light sources for application general illumination,
spectroscopy, displays, and communications. In current-generation epitaxial III-nitride
semiconductor light emitting materials, nanostructure plays a key role in maximizing light
emitting device efficiency. Wavelength tunability is achieved by the quantum size effect, and
quantum confinement serves to minimize non-radiative recombination through crystal
defects. The Stokes group is expanding on these concepts by developing new nanostructured
materials with II-VI semiconductor quantum dots, synthesized in liquid phase, and integrated
through novel processing into III-nitride semiconductor epitaxial materials.
Dr. Thomas J. Suleski (Physics and Optical Science). The Suleski group focuses on the
development of novel nanofabrication techniques. Simulation, design, fabrication, and
characterization of micro- and nano-optical devices and systems are explored.

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Dr. Raphael Tsu (Electrical and Computer Engineering). Dr. Tsu is an international expert on
nanoscale electronics and optoelectronics. His research incorporates theoretical and
experimental studies on the quantum nature of properties of nanoscale materials, such as the
dielectric function and capacitance. The Tsu group reported some of the pioneering work on
quantum wells and quantum well superlattices.
Dr. Robert Wilhelm (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Dr, Wilhelms
research interests include metrology, signal processing, and computer automation for synthesis,
analysis, and fabrication. He is the associate director of the UNC Charlotte Center for Precision
Engineering. Current research interests include metrology techniques at the nano-scale based on
self-assembling lattices and chirality.
Dr. Terri Xu (Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science). Dr. Xus research focuses on
the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials and nanostructures; the fabrication of
nanocomposites and investigations of their properties; and nano-material based devices for
sensor applications.

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